Coupling with latch mechanism

ABSTRACT

A coupling apparatus having coupling body with a mechanical latch assembly. The mechanical latch assembly includes a modified latch plate. The latch plate defines a main portion having a top end and a bottom end and includes an annular aperture disposed between the top and bottom ends. A lever portion is disposed proximate the top end. The lever portion enables the latch plate to move within a coupling body, so as to operate the mechanical latch assembly in a released position and a latched position. A raised edge is disposed about a portion of the annular aperture. The raised edge is disposed proximate the bottom end and extends radially inward of the inner edge defined by the annular aperture. A pin opening is disposed proximate the bottom end opposite of the lever portion. The pin opening is positioned radially outward from the annular aperture, and defines a separate enclosed edge.

This application claims the benefit of Provisional Application No.60/488,461, filed Jul. 17, 2003, which is incorporated by referenceherein in its entirety.

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention is related to a fluid connector with a latch mechanism.More particularly, the present invention is related to a fluid couplinghaving a latch mechanism with an improved latch plate structure. Thelatch mechanism is used in fluid couplings for quickconnection/disconnection of tubings in pressured fluid conveyanceconditions.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Connectors for fluid transport are common and widely used. Typically,such connectors often employ a female coupling that connects with a maleinsert member. These couplings provide a structure that can be readilycoupled and uncoupled from a male insert member using a quickconnect/disconnect configuration. To achieve this quickconnect/disconnect configuration, a latch mechanism usually isincorporated with the coupling. Such mechanical latches provide areleasable lock mechanism for connecting and retaining a male insertmember to the coupling, so that sealing surfaces of a coupling and maleinsert member remain in contact for a fluid tight seal.

Incorporated herewith by reference, U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,777 to Blenkushdiscloses one example of a latch mechanism 40. The latch mechanism 40includes a latch plate 80 that is slideably mounted in grooves formed bytwo projections 82 extending from the front of a female couplingassembly 14. The latch plate 80 is slideably mounted for transversemovement with respect to a bore 30 of the female coupling assembly 14between a first released position (FIG. 4) and a second latched position(FIG. 5). The latch plate 80 defines an annular aperture 84 therein. Inthe released position, the tubular portion 18 of a male insert 12 can beinserted through the aperture 84 and into the bore 30. In the latchedposition, an inner edge of the latch plate 80 moves into a groove 24 ofthe male insert 12, thereby positively latching the male insert 12 withthe female coupling assembly 14 in a coupled state.

A housing of the female coupling assembly 14 defines a recess ofindentation 90 proximate its top portion and between the projections 82.The latch plate 80 includes a lever portion 80 a that is folded over soas to provide a relatively flat lever. The lever portion 80 a fits inthe recess provided by the indentation 90. A coiled spring 92 ispositioned between the lever portion 80 a and a bottom surface of theindentation 90. The coiled spring 92 biases the latch plate 80transversely of the bore 30 and toward the latched position.

A locking pin 94 having a varying diameter axially extends from a bore96. The locking pin retains the latch plate 80 in its released positionwhen the male insert 12 and the female coupling assembly 14 are in anuncoupled state. The bore 96 is positioned radially outward from thebore 30 and on an opposite side from the lever 80 a, so as to bediametrically opposed to the lever 80 a. The locking pin 94 extendsthrough a slot of the latch plate 80 having a variable width defined byedges 98 a and 98 b. The edges 98 a, 98 b extend radially outward fromthe inner edge of the aperture 84. The locking pin 94 is longitudinallymoveable through the slot between a first position wherein the lockingpin 94 allows the spring 92 to move the latch plate 80 into its latchedposition. The locking pin 94 in its second position also serves to limitthe distance, which the latch plate 80 moves from its released positionto its latched position. A coiled spring 100 is positioned between acollar portion 94 a of the locking pin 94 and an end of the bore 96, soas to longitudinally bias the locking pin 94 toward the first releasedposition.

The male insert 12 includes a collar 102 about the circumference thereofwhich is spaced a predetermined axial distance from the groove 24 towardthe second end 28 of the male insert 12. The collar 102 is constructedand arranged to engage the locking pin 94, as the tubular portion 18 isinserted into the bore 30 of the female coupling assembly 14 apredetermined distance, such that the locking pin 94 is pushed back fromits first position into its second position.

The radially extending edges 98 a are spaced farther apart than edges 98b. In this configuration, the slot has a portion defined by edges 98 anear the inner edge of the aperture 84 having a greater width than theportion defined by edges 98 b near the end of the slot and farthestremoved from the inner edge. When the locking pin 94 is in the firstreleased position, a portion 94 b of the locking pin 94 having a greaterdiameter than the width of the slot defined by the edges 98 b, extendsthrough the slot defined by edges 98 a. The locking pin portion 94 bmakes contact with edges 98 b, and prevents the latch plate 80 frombeing moved into the latched position by the coil spring 92. As the maleinsert 12 is inserted into the female coupling assembly 14, the collar102 engages the end of the locking pin 94 and moves it longitudinallyrelative to the female coupling assembly. The locking pin moves into thebore 96 until a portion 94 c of the locking pin 94 having a diameterless than the width of the slot defined by the edges 98 b alignstherewith, such that the locking pin 94 no longer engages the edges 98b. The latch plate 80 then moves into the latched position by the coilspring 92 and engages the groove 24.

By pressing radially inward on the lever 80 a, the latch plate 80 iscaused to move radially such that the locking pin 94 extends through theenlarged slot edges 98 a near the inner edge. The latch plate 80 canthen be disengaged from the groove 24, whereby the male insert 12 can beremoved from the female coupling assembly 14. When the male insert 12 isremoved, the collar 102 and the locking pin 94 are disengaged wherebythe spring 100 biases the locking pin toward its first position, so thatthe pin portion 94 b engages the edges 98 b of the slot and retains thelatch plate 80 in its released position.

The latch plate of the latch mechanism above, however, may stillexperience problems in reliability and performance. As the latch plateprovides its slot continuously extending from the annular aperture wherethe inner edge is directly adjacent the slot, sharp burrs and cornersexist that can comprise sealing surfaces of a connecting male insert.Such surfaces can include resilient o-rings or part line free sealingsurfaces disposed about the collar of the male insert, and thatsealingly engage with the inner surface defined by the bore of thefemale coupling assembly. Further, the latch plate above includes aninner edge that corresponds to the radial perimeter defined by theannular aperture. Where increased pressures are used, such as up to 100psi, a connecting male insert may rotate and/or twist relative to thefemale coupling. In this configuration of an inner edge, the male insertmay unfavorably cam out and become separated from the female couplingassembly during use.

While the above design may be suitable for its intended purposes,improvements may still be made upon the latch mechanism structure ofsuch couplings. Therefore, there is a need for a latch mechanism with alatch plate having improved reliability and performance. A coupling isdesired that provides a latch plate that prevents separation whenconnected with a piece of fluid transport equipment, such as aconnecting insert, and that protects sealing surfaces of a connectinginsert from being damaged.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the present invention, the above and other problemswere solved by providing a coupling apparatus and assembly that includesa latch mechanism having a modified latch plate with a raised edge forengaging a connecting insert and a pin opening having an enclosed edge.

In one embodiment, a coupling apparatus for fluid dispensing includes abody with a first end and a second end. The first and second ends definea first bore for enabling fluid passage longitudinally therethrough. Amechanical latch assembly is disposed proximate one of the first orsecond ends. The mechanical latch assembly includes a latch plate, afirst biasing member, a locking pin and a second biasing member.

In one preferred embodiment, the latch plate is slidably mounted withina groove formed through the body, where the groove extends transverselyof the first bore. The latch plate defines a main portion having a topend and a bottom end. The latch plate includes an annular aperturedisposed between the top and bottom ends and being in fluidcommunication with the first bore. A lever portion is disposed proximatethe top end of the main portion. The lever portion enables the latchplate to reciprocate within the groove in a released position and alatched position. A raised edge is circumferentially disposed about aportion of the annular aperture. The raised edge is disposed proximatethe bottom end and extending radially inward of the annular aperture.

A pin opening is disposed proximate the bottom end opposite of the leverportion. The pin opening is positioned radially outward from the annularaperture, and defines an enclosed edge.

Preferably, the first biasing member is positioned between a bottomsurface of the lever portion and an outer surface of the body. Thebiasing member biases the latch plate in the latched position.

Preferably, the locking pin is positioned in a second bore beingdisposed radially outward from the first bore and extending in alongitudinal direction. The locking pin extends through the pin openingand is longitudinally moveable within the second bore. The locking pinis movable through the pin opening between a first position to retainthe latch plate in the released position and a second position to allowthe biasing member to move the latch plate in the latched position.

Preferably, the second biasing member is positioned between an end ofthe locking pin and an end of the second bore. The second biasing memberbiases the locking pin in the first position.

In another embodiment, the coupling apparatus above may be incorporatedin a coupling assembly further including a mating male insert member. Inone preferred embodiment, the male insert member defines a first end anda second end with an opening for enabling fluid passage longitudinallythrough the first and second ends. The male insert member includes atubular portion extending toward the first end and being insertable inthe coupling apparatus. The tubular portion includes an outer surfacehaving a circumferentially disposed groove. The groove is engageablewith the raised edge of the latch plate to connect and disconnect themale insert with the coupling apparatus. The tubular portion includes asealing member disposed proximate the first end. The sealing membersealingly engages an inner surface of the first bore when the maleinsert is inserted in the coupling apparatus.

Preferably, the coupling apparatus and the male insert member each maybe connected with a fluid line or another piece of fluid transportequipment at ends opposites of the ends connecting the couplingapparatus and male insert member.

These and other various advantages and features of novelty, whichcharacterize the invention, are pointed out in the following detaileddescription. For better understanding of the invention, its advantages,and the objects obtained by its use, reference should also be made tothe drawings which form a further part hereof, and to accompanyingdescriptive matter, in which there are illustrated and describedspecific examples of an apparatus in accordance with the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring now to the drawings in which like reference numbers representcorresponding parts throughout:

FIG. 1A represents an elevated perspective view of a latch plate ofprior art.

FIG. 1B represents an elevated end view of the latch plate of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C represents an elevated side view of the latch plate of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1D represents an elevated top view of the latch plate of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2A represents an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of alatch plate in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 2B represents an elevated end view of the latch plate of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2C represents an elevated side view of the latch plate of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 2D represents an elevated top view of the latch plate of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3A represents an elevated perspective view of one embodiment of acoupling body capable of mounting the latch plate of FIG. 2A.

FIG. 3B represents an end sectional view of the coupling body of FIG.3A.

FIG. 3C represents a side sectional view of the coupling body taken fromFIG. 3B.

FIG. 3D represents an elevated top view of the coupling body of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 3E represents a partial top view of the coupling body taken fromDetail A in FIG. 3D.

FIG. 3F represents a bottom view of the coupling body of FIG. 3A.

FIG. 4A represents an elevated perspective view of another embodiment ofa coupling body capable of mounting the latch plate of FIG. 2A inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 4B represents an elevated top view of the coupling body of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4C represents an elevated bottom view of the coupling body of FIG.4A.

FIG. 4D represents a side sectional view of the coupling body of FIG.4A.

FIG. 4E represents an end view of the coupling body of FIG. 4A.

FIG. 4F represents a partial elevated top view of the coupling bodytaken from FIG. 4B.

FIG. 5A represents an elevated side view of the coupling body of FIG. 4Aand the latch plate of FIG. 2A connected with one embodiment of a maleinsert in accordance with the principles of the present invention.

FIG. 5B represents a partial side sectional view of the coupling body ofFIG. 4A and the latch plate of FIG. 2A connected with another embodimentof a male insert and further latch assembly and valve structures inaccordance with the principles of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

In the following description of the illustrated embodiments, referenceis made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and inwhich is shown by way of illustration of the embodiments in which theinvention may be practiced. It is to be understood that otherembodiments may be utilized as structural changes may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIGS. 1A through 1D illustrate a known latch plate 10 for a latchmechanism typically used in quick connect/disconnect couplings. Thelatch plate 10 is structured and configured similarly as the latch plate80 of U.S. Pat. No. 5,033,777 (hereinafter Patent '777). The latch plate10 can be mounted on the female coupling assembly 14 of Patent '777 inthe same manner. The latch plate 10 is used to latch and release amating insert, such as the male insert 12 of Patent '777. The latchplate 10 includes a top end 12 and a bottom end 14, and defines a mainportion 16 and a lever portion 18 that extends transversely of the mainportion 16. The lever portion 18 is disposed proximate the top end 12,and preferably is disposed at the top end 12. An annular aperture 24 isformed through the main portion 16 between the top end 12 and the bottomend 14. The annular aperture 24 provides an inner edge 24 a that isengageable with a groove on a mating insert, such as the groove 24 ofthe male insert 12 in Patent '777. The inner edge 24 a is defined as theouter circumferential edge of the annular aperture 24.

A slot 22 of varying width is positioned proximate the bottom end 14.The slot 22 is continuously adjacent with the opening defined by theannular aperture 24, such that there is no obstruction or breaktherebetween. The slot 22 resembles a continuous opening. The slot 22 isstructured similarly as in Patent '777, and defines the varying widthhaving first and second edge portions 22 a, 22 b. Preferably, the slot22 is positioned radially outward from the annular aperture 24 andopposite of the lever portion 18. The first edge portion 22 a has awidth that is greater than a width of the second edge portion 22 b. Theedge portions 22 a, 22 b are structured similarly as in Patent '777, soas to communicate with a locking pin so as to impart movement of thelatch plate 10 in operating a latch mechanism in the released andlatched positions.

FIGS. 2A through 2D illustrate a preferred embodiment of a latch plate100. The latch plate 100 may similarly be mounted within a couplingassembly as latch plate 10 in the female coupling assembly 14 of Patent'777. The latch plate 100 also is connectable with a mating insert, suchas the male insert 12 in Patent '777. The differences in latch plate 100from latch plate 10 and Patent '777 are further described hereafter.

The latch plate 100 defines a top end 112 and a bottom end 114, with amain portion 116 therebetween. A lever portion 118 is disposed proximatethe top end 112. Preferably the lever portion 118 is disposed at the topend 112, and extends transversely and perpendicularly of the mainportion 116. An annular aperture 124 is formed through the main portion116 between the top end 112 and the bottom end 114. The annular apertureis defined by a perimeter edge and may be a circumferential edge throughthe latch plate 100. The annular aperture 124 provides an inner edge 124a that is engageable with a groove on a mating insert, such as thegroove 24 of the male insert 12 in Patent '777. In contrast to Patent'777, the annular aperture 124 defines the inner edge 124 a as a raisedradial edge extending radially inward of a circumferential edge definedby the annular aperture 124. Preferably, the raised radial edge 124 a isdisposed on a perimeter edge or circumferential edge defined by theannular aperture 124. More preferably, the raised radial edge isdisposed proximate the bottom end 114 along the perimeter edge andopposite the lever portion 118. The raised radial edge 124 a can providea smooth circumferential contour of an outer surface of a mating insertwith no sharp edges or burrs.

A pin opening 122 of varying width is positioned proximate the bottomend 114. The pin opening 122 includes a varying width having first andsecond edge portions 122 a, 122 b. Preferably, the pin opening 122 ispositioned radially outward from the annular aperture 124 and oppositeof the lever portion 118. The first edge portion 122 a has a widthgreater than a width of the second edge portion 122 b. The first edgeportion 122 a is disposed proximate the annular aperture 124 relative tothe second edge portion 122 b. The edge portions 122 a, 122 b arestructured so as to communicate with a locking pin to impart movement ofthe latch plate 100 in operating a latch mechanism in the released andlatched positions, such as described above in Patent '777. In contrastto Patent '777, the pin opening 122 is defined as an enclosed edge.Preferably, the pin opening 122 is its own separate opening from theaperture 124.

The latch plate 100 provides improved structural features andperformance when used in a latch mechanism for quick connect/disconnectcouplings. The raised radial edge 124 a provides improved support andengagement performance with a mating insert, as in the groove 24 on themale insert of Patent '777. When a coupling is used under increasedpressures, for instance at about 100 psi, the raised radial edge 124 aprevents a coupling from camming out and otherwise separating from aninsert when the connector assembly experiences relative rotation andtwisting. Further, the smooth circumferential contour provided by theraised radial edge 124 a helps maintain seal surfaces on a mating insertby preventing the presence of a sharp burrs and edges. Such sharp burrscan damage seal members or surfaces on a mating insert, such asresilient o-rings and part line free sealing surfaces. The enclosed edgeof the pin opening 122 provides added strength to the connection with amating insert. By enclosing the pin opening 122 and making it an openingseparate from the annular aperture, sharp edges and burrs can be furtheravoided. In this configuration, the latch plate 110 provides advantagesin maintaining seal surfaces on a mating insert.

FIGS. 3A through 3F illustrate one embodiment of a coupling body 200 formounting the latch plate 100 and further latch mechanism structures. Thecoupling body 200 is structured and arranged similarly as the femalecoupling assembly 14 of Patent '777 with the following describedfeatures and differences. The coupling body 200 includes a first end 212and a second end 214, and defines an opening or first bore 224 extendinglongitudinally through the first and second ends 212, 214. The firstbore 224 enables fluid passage therethrough and is receivable for amating insert. As in Patent '777, it will be appreciated that the firstbore 224 may be provided with varying diameters therein for supportingvalve structures, sealing structures, and other well known couplingstructures used for adapting the coupling body 200 to other pieces offluid transport equipment.

A groove 222 a is formed from projections 222 at the first end 212, asbest shown in FIGS. 3D through 3F and Detail A. The groove 222 aprovides support for the latch plate 100 for slidably mounting the sametherein. The latch plate 100 reciprocates within the groove 222 asimilarly as in Patent '777. It will be appreciated that the projections222 may be formed as a single projection 322 from the first end 212. Thesingle projection 322 forms a closed face coupling body at the first end212, which is illustrated in detail in FIGS. 4A-4F. Such a configurationprovides added support of a mating insert about an entire radius, andprovides improvement in holding the coupling body and the mating insertin sealing engagement.

The coupling body 200 includes an indentation surface 218 surrounded bya partial shrouding or wall 216. The indentation surface 218 provides anarea for the lever portion 118 to reside and be housed within theshrouding 216. Preferably, the indentation surface is substantiallyplanar and flat relative to the circumferential contour of the outersurface of the coupling body 200. The indentation surface may include arecessed area 228 and stabilizing member 228 a formed on the indentationsurface 218. The recessed area 228 is supportable for a biasing memberto be disposed therein, such as the coiled spring 92 of Patent '777. Thestabilizing member 228 a may provide further support and alignment for abiasing member, and preferably would engage a coiled spring through anopening thereof. Preferably, the stabilizing member 228 a is formed as asubstantially planar protrusion extending upward from the recessed area228.

A second bore 226 is formed within the coupling body 200. Preferably,the second bore is disposed radially outward from the first bore 224 andsubstantially aligns with the pin opening 122. The second bore 226 issimilarly constructed and arranged for housing a locking pin that ismoveable therein, such as the locking pin 94 of Patent '777. The secondbore 226 also may provide for a second biasing member, such as thecoiled spring 100 of Patent '777, to bias the locking pin in a first andsecond positions.

Preferably, the coupling body 200 is constructed and arranged to allowmounting of a latch mechanism, as in the latch mechanism 40 in Patent'777, except for the incorporation of the latch plate 100 of the presentinvention. The coupling body 200 is connectable to a fluid line or otherpiece of transport equipment at the second end 214 for use in fluiddelivery and transmission. It will be appreciated that any suitablestructures mateable with the coupling body 200 may be incorporated so asto mount valve mechanisms and other adapting structures for connectionto fluid line(s) and pieces of fluid transport equipment. It will beappreciated that the coupling body and incorporated latch mechanism mayform a part of a fluid transport system connected with a matingcoupler/insert and fluid source (not shown).

FIGS. 4A-4F illustrate another embodiment for a coupling body 300 formounting the latch plate 100 and other latch mechanism structures. Thecoupling body 300 includes the following described features anddifferences from the coupling body 200 and the female coupling assemblyof Patent '777. The coupling body 300 includes a first end 312 and asecond end 314, and defines an opening or first bore 324 extendinglongitudinally through the first and second ends 312, 314. The secondend 314 includes a connection means 314 a, and may be configured as athreaded connection adaptable for connecting other pieces of fluidtransport equipment, such as but not limited to a fluid line. It will beappreciated that other configurations and arrangements may be used atthe second end 314 to accommodate a connection means. The first bore 324enables fluid passage therethrough and is receivable for a matinginsert. As in Patent '777 and coupling body 200, it will be appreciatedthat the first bore 324 may be provided with varying diameters thereinfor supporting valve structures, sealing structures, and other wellknown coupling structures used for adapting the coupling body 300 toother pieces of fluid transport equipment.

A groove 322 a is formed from a single projection 322 at the first end312, as best shown in FIGS. 4B-4C and Detail B from FIG. 4F. The groove322 a provides support for the latch plate 100 for slidably mounting thesame therein. The latch plate 100 may reciprocate within the groove 322a. The projection 322 is formed as a single projection from the firstend 312, preferably forming a closed face coupling body at the first end312. The groove 322 a defines a slot that can surround a latch plate 100and improve support within the coupling assembly 300. In thisconfiguration, the closed face first end formed by the single projection322 provides added support of a mating insert about an entire radius.The closed face also provides improvement in holding the seal betweenthe coupling body 300 and a mating insert.

The coupling body 300 includes a recess area 328, which provides aposition for the lever portion 118 to be disposed on the body 300.Preferably, the recess area 328 is substantially planar and flatrelative to the circumferential contour of the outer surface of thecoupling body 300. The recess area 328 may further include a stabilizingmember 328 a formed within the recess area 328. The recessed area 328 issupportable for a biasing member to be disposed therein, such as thecoiled spring 92 of Patent '777. The stabilizing member 328 a mayprovide further support and alignment for a biasing member, andpreferably would be insertable within an opening defined by a coiledspring. Preferably, the stabilizing member 328 a is formed as asubstantially planar protrusion extending upward from the recessed area328.

A second bore 326 is formed within the coupling body 300. Preferably,the second bore 326 is disposed radially outward from the first bore 324and is substantially aligned with the pin opening 122 of the latch plate100. The second bore 326 is similarly constructed and arranged forhousing a locking pin that is moveable therein, such as the locking pin94 of Patent '777. The second bore 326 also may provide for a secondbiasing member to be housed therein, such as the coiled spring 100 ofPatent '777. The second biasing member biases the locking pin in a firstand second positions and imparts movement to the latch plate 100 betweenreleased and latch positions.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the coupling body 300 and latch plate 100assembled with a complete latch mechanism and connected with a matinginsert 410 a. FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of the coupling body 300and latch plate 100 coupled with a mating male insert 410 a. The matingmale insert 410 a includes an end 414 adaptable for connection with apiece of fluid transport equipment, and includes a connection means 414a. The connection means 414 a may be arranged and configured with abarbed fitting suitable for connection with other pieces of fluidtransport equipment, such as but not limited to a fluid line or source.It will be appreciated that other suitable structures may be employed atthe end 414 for use as the connection means. The latch plate 100 ismounted within the groove 322 a of the coupling body 300 as previouslydescribed. A biasing member 320 and locking pin 340 are generallyillustrated. The biasing member 320 and locking pin are similarlyarranged and configured as the biasing member 92 and locking pin 94 ofPatent '777. Preferably, with the exception of the latch plate 100,similar latch mechanism structures, such as the latch mechanism 40 usedin Patent '777 are employed within the coupling body 300.

FIG. 5B illustrates a partial side sectional view of the coupling body300 and latch plate 100 of the present invention assembled with acomplete latch mechanism and connected with a mating insert 410 b. Themating male insert 410 b includes an end 424 adaptable for connectionwith a piece of fluid transport equipment, and includes a connectionmeans 424 a. The connection means 424 a may be arranged and configuredwith a barbed and threaded fitting suitable for connecting other piecesof fluid transport equipment, such as but not limited to a fluid line orsource. It will be appreciated that other suitable structures may beemployed at the end 424 for use as the connection means. An end 422 isinsertable into the first bore 324. The end 422 includes an elongatedcollar portion with a sealing member 422 a and a groove 425 disposedthereon. The elongated collar portion and groove 425 are constructed andarranged similarly as in Patent '777 for connecting and latching themale insert 410 b with the coupling body 300. It will be appreciatedthat male insert 410 a also may include similar collar portion andgroove structures (not shown) as male insert 410 b. The sealing member422 a is disposed distally on the end 422 and within a groove.Preferably, the sealing member 422 a partially projects from a groove.The sealing member 422 a sealingly engages an inner sidewall of thecoupling body 300 when the male insert 410 b is inserted and latchedwith the coupling body 300.

As shown, the latch plate 100 is mounted within the groove 322 a of thecoupling body 300 as previously described. A first biasing member 320,locking pin 340, second biasing member 350 are generally illustrated.The biasing members 320, 350 and locking pin 340 are similarly arrangedand configured as the biasing members 92, 100 and locking pin 94 ofPatent '777. Preferably, with the exception of the latch plate 100,similar latch mechanism structures, such as the latch mechanism 40 inPatent '777 are employed within the coupling body 300. A valve means 360is provided within the bore 324 and is actuatable in a first openposition enabling fluid flow and a closed position where flow isdisabled. The valve means 360 is similarly constructed and arranged asthe valve and poppet structures of Patent '777. The valve means 360cooperates with the end 422 of the mating male insert 410 b, when themale insert 410 b is inserted into the coupling body 300 to be latched.

Preferably, the coupling body 300 is constructed and arranged to allowmounting of a latch mechanism, as in the latch mechanism 40 in Patent'777, except for the incorporation of the improved latch plate 100. Thecoupling body 300 may be connectable to a fluid line or other piece offluid transport equipment at the second end 314 for use in fluiddelivery and transmission. It will be appreciated that any suitablestructures mateable with the coupling body 300 may be incorporated, soas to mount valve mechanisms and other adapting structures, forconnection to fluid line(s) and pieces of fluid transport equipment.

In manufacturing a coupling body 200, 300 and latch plate 100 of thepresent invention, the following non-limiting descriptions are providedhereafter. Preferably, the coupling body 200, 300 is formed of wellknown plastic parts through a molding process. Preferably, the couplingbody and latch plate are constructed and arranged to support transportof fluids used in air and liquid transport applications. Such fluids mayinclude, but are not limited to, air, gasoline, ink, coolants and thelike. It will be appreciated that the coupling body may be a material assuited for transport of a desired media. More preferably, the couplingbody 200, 300 is formed as a single integrally molded piece. It will beappreciated that the dimensions of the coupling body 200, 300 includingits bore 224, 324 may be scaled up or down as suitably needed toaccomplish connection and sealing with mating parts, such as maleinserts and pump/valve mechanisms and to accommodate desired fluid flowparameters.

The latch plate 100 preferably is formed of a metal material, and isproduced by machining the metal material. Preferably, the latch plate100 is produced of a hardened stainless steel. More preferably, thelatch plate 100 is machined such that the annular aperture 124, radialedge 124 a and pin opening 122 are stamped or punched through in adirection from the side the lever portion 118 extends. By forming theplate in this manner, any sharp edge that may be formed would reside onthe side opposite from which the lever portion 118 extends. Where amating male insert is inserted into the first bore 224, 324 of thecoupling body 200, 300 and through the annular aperture 124, the raisedradial edge 124 a is prevented from biting into sealing members orsurfaces of the mating insert when rotated or twisted with respect tothe coupling body. In this configuration, the mating insert furtheravoids separation and camming out from the coupling body.

It will be appreciated that other materials may be used to form thecoupling body and latch plate as known in the art. It will be furtherappreciated that well known materials may be employed for forming thelatch mechanism features (as in Patent '777) including the biasingmembers, locking pin and other desired structures incorporated with thecoupling body, such as valve and sealing structures.

Having described the embodiments of the present invention, modificationsand equivalents may occur to one skilled in the art. It is intended thatsuch modifications and equivalents shall be included with the scope ofthe invention.

1. A coupling apparatus for fluid dispensing, comprising: a bodyincluding a first end and a second end, said first and second endsdefining a first bore for enabling fluid passage longitudinallytherethrough; and a mechanical latch assembly disposed proximate one ofsaid first or second ends; said mechanical latch assembly including alatch plate, a first biasing member, a locking pin and a second biasingmember, said latch plate is slidably mounted within a groove formedthrough said body, said groove extending transversely of said firstbore, said latch plate defining a main portion having a top end and abottom end, said latch plate including an annular aperture disposedbetween said top and bottom ends and being in fluid communication withsaid first bore of said body, a lever portion disposed proximate saidtop end, said lever portion enabling said latch plate to reciprocatewithin said groove in a released position and a latched position, araised edge defining a raised portion of a perimeter edge defined bysaid annular aperture, said raised edge extending radially inward fromrespective portions of said perimeter edge into a space defined by saidannular aperture, each end of said raised edge forming a notched portionextending to one of said respective portions of said perimeter edge,each notched portion including a first end connected to each end of theraised edge and a second end connected to each of the respectiveportions of said perimeter edge; and a pin opening disposed proximatesaid bottom end opposite of said lever portion; wherein said pin openingdefines an enclosed edge defining a separate opening that is completelydiscontinuous from said perimeter edge of said annular aperture; saidfirst biasing member is positioned between a bottom surface of saidlever portion and an outer surface of said body, said biasing memberbiases said latch plate in said latched position; said locking pin ispositioned in a second bore being disposed radially outward from saidfirst bore and extending in an longitudinal direction, said locking pinextending through said pin opening, said locking pin beinglongitudinally moveable within said second bore and cooperating withsaid pin opening between a first position to retain said latch plate insaid released position and a second position to move said latch plate insaid latched position, said second biasing member is positioned betweenan end of said locking pin and an end of said second bore, said secondbiasing member biases said locking pin in said first position.
 2. Thecoupling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said main portiondefines a substantially planar surface.
 3. The coupling apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said annular aperture being disposedtransversely through said main portion between said top and bottom ends.4. The coupling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said raised edgebeing a radiused edge contouring a portion of said perimeter edge. 5.The coupling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said enclosed edgedefining a greater width on a portion proximate said annular apertureand a lesser width on a portion proximate said bottom end.
 6. Thecoupling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said groove of saidbody defines a slot being formed from a single projection extending fromsaid first or second end, said single projection forming a smooth andclosed face at said first or second end, where said slot is disposedbetween said projection and a remaining portion of said body.
 7. Thecoupling apparatus according to claim 1, wherein said body includes arecess area on said outer surface, said recess area being substantiallyplanar and supporting said first biasing member.
 8. The couplingapparatus according to claim 7, wherein said recess area including astabilizing member formed within said recess area, said stabilizingmember including a protrusion extending outward from said recess areaand being engageable with said first biasing member to retain said firstbiasing member within said recess area.
 9. The coupling apparatusaccording to claim 1, wherein said body including a partial shroudextending from an outer surface of said body, said shroud capable ofprotectively covering a portion of said mechanical latch assembly.
 10. Acoupling assembly for fluid dispensing, comprising: a female couplingdefining a body having a first end and a second end, and a first borefor enabling fluid passage longitudinally through said first and secondends; said female coupling including a mechanical latch assemblydisposed proximate one of said first or second ends; said mechanicallatch assembly including a latch plate, a first biasing member, alocking pin and a second biasing member, said latch plate is slidablymounted within a groove formed through said body, where said grooveextends transversely of said first bore, said latch plate defining amain portion having a top end and a bottom end, said latch plateincluding an annular aperture disposed between said top and bottom endsand being in fluid communication with said first bore, a lever portiondisposed proximate said top end, said lever portion enabling said latchplate to reciprocate within said groove in a released position and alatched position, a raised edge defining a raised portion of a perimeteredge defined by said annular aperture, said raised edge extendingradially inward from respective portions of said perimeter edge into aspace defined by said annular aperture, each end of said raised edgeforming a notched portion extending to one of said respective portionsof said perimeter edge, each notched portion including a first endconnected to each end of the raised edge and a second end connected toeach of the respective portions of said perimeter edge, and a pinopening disposed proximate said bottom end opposite said lever portion,wherein said pin opening defines an enclosed edge defining a separateopening that is completely discontinuous from said perimeter edge ofsaid annular aperture; said first biasing member is positioned between abottom surface of said lever portion and an outer surface of said body,said biasing member biases said latch plate in said latched position;said locking pin is positioned in a second bore that is disposedradially outward from said first bore and extending in an longitudinaldirection, said locking pin extending through said pin opening, saidlocking pin being longitudinally moveable within said second bore andcooperating with said pin opening between a first position to retainsaid latch plate in said released position and a second position to movesaid latch plate in said latched position; said second biasing member ispositioned within said second bore between an end of said locking pinand an end of said second bore, said second biasing member biases saidlocking pin in said first position; and a male insert member having afirst end and a second end, said first and second ends defining anopening for enabling fluid passage longitudinally therethrough, saidmale insert member including a tubular portion extending from said firstend and being insertable in said female coupling, said tubular portionincluding an outer surface and having a circumferentially disposedgroove, said groove communicating with said raised edge of said latchplate to connect and disconnect said male insert with said femalecoupling; said tubular portion including a sealing member disposedproximate said first end, said sealing member sealingly engaging aninner surface of said first bore of said female coupling when said maleinsert is inserted in said female coupling.